Edwina van Heek

From 8 March 2026, Rijksmuseum Twenthe will present a focus display on Edwina van Heek. The exhibition is based on new historical research by Bert-Jaap Koops and sheds light on her role in the founding of the museum, a story that remained largely overlooked for a long time.

In 1926, a single signature laid the foundation for Rijksmuseum Twenthe. On 19 February of that year, Edwina van Heek-Burr Ewing signed the deed of gift through which she donated a new museum building and an accompanying art collection to the Dutch State. With this act, she gave shape to the dream of her late husband, textile manufacturer Jan Bernard van Heek. The museum was to be preserved ‘permanently and as such’.

Although Jan Bernard van Heek did not live to see the museum’s opening, Edwina ensured with determination that his ideal became reality. One hundred years later, her role is finally brought to the fore. This focus display highlights her decisiveness, vision, and social commitment: values that can still be felt throughout the museum today.

New research, a new story
The display is based on new historical research by Bert-Jaap Koops and offers new insight into Edwina’s role in the establishment of Rijksmuseum Twenthe. A story that remained underexposed for a long time is finally given the space it deserves here.

This focus display was created in collaboration with the Edwina van Heek Foundation and the archive of Zonnebeek Estate.